PUBLIC GALLERY SECTOR FACES IDENTITY CRISIS

The Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) is pleased to announce it will hold its annual conference at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) on 30 & 31 August 2012.FUTURE VISION: The Public Gallery in the 21st Century will consider the impact of MONA on the sector and map out a future vision for public galleries across Australia.

“Whilst visitation at public galleries continues to rise, the sector is still the poor second cousin to the performing arts when it comes to government support at all levels (local, state and federal) as well as private, philanthropic and corporate support. This is partly due to the identity crisis currently facing the sector. Is it eletist, stuffy and bitchy or inspiring, engaging and dynamic? Now is the time for public galleries to put petty jealousies aside and collaborate to create truly inspiring visual arts experiences.” said PGAV spokespersonDr Jody Evans.

FUTURE VISION is a call to arms for all those interested in creating inspiring visual art experiences. The conference brings together public galleries, arts agencies, government supporters, philanthropists and corporate supporters. Presenters include:

Sam Meers, President, Nelson Meers Foundation (NSW) who will discuss the critical role of private support in enabling innovation in the visual arts.

Nicole Durling, Senior Curator, MONA who will discuss curation in the 21st Century

Kate Ryan, Curator, Children’s Art Centre, Queensland Art Gallery / Gallery of Modern Art who will outline strategies to engage youth audiences.

The PGAV is the peak body for the public gallery sector in Victoria. We represent over fifty public galleries across the state. This is the first time the PGAV has held its conference outside of Victoria and included a national audience. “We are thrilled to be bringing the public gallery sector together at MONA to map out our future vision.” said Julie Adams, PGAV president.
Anne Robertson, PGAV Executive Officer, Public Galleries Association of Victoria